Amanda Mutheu: Grief as family views body of 5-year-old girl thrown from balcony by uncle

A sombre atmosphere engulfed mourners as family and friends gathered to view the body of five-year-old Amanda Mutheu ahead of her burial in Kitui County.

Amanda died on the night of Wednesday, June 11, after she was allegedly thrown off a balcony by her uncle at Jacaranda Gardens Apartments in Roysambu, Nairobi.

The tragedy unfolded at apartment C4-205 and left neighbours shaken and Kenyans across the country in disbelief.

The suspect was reportedly under the influence of alcohol at the time. The child sustained severe injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to a medical facility.

At the morgue, Amanda’s small white coffin was wheeled into the viewing section by a mortuary attendant as mourners sang soft worship songs.

Emotions ran high as attendees struggled to come to terms with the tragedy that robbed a young life of its future.

The viewing room fell silent as a doctor confirmed the cause of death. Loved ones took turns approaching the coffin, their grief visible as they laid eyes on Amanda’s body, peaceful but lifeless. Tears flowed freely as the reality of the loss set in.

Among the mourners was Amanda’s mother, Ann Syovinya, who broke down in anguish upon seeing her daughter’s face. Supported by a group of women, she collapsed in tears, her cries echoing through the hall as others tried to comfort her.

Amanda, described as a bright and bubbly child, will be laid to rest in Kitui County over the weekend. Her death sparked outrage and sorrow across the community, highlighting the devastating impact of violence meted on her by the person supposed to protect her, her uncle.

According to an official statement by the property manager, Lilian Gichuhi, the suspect, Amanda’s uncle, stormed into the house, overpowered the house girl, and snatched the child before throwing her from the second-floor balcony.

Police are continuing investigations into the incident, and the suspect is expected to face murder charges.